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Posts tagged "KUOM"

CFCF - "Jump Out of the Train"

By: Jerod Greenisen

CFCF is the moniker of Michael Silver who has had a few projects since the last CFCF release in 2009. “Jump Out Of The Train” is available for download below and is the premiere for the full-length Outside. Cleverly crafted and released just one month after his Music For Objects EP, CFCF’s new album is much to be anticipated. Active Child is also featured on this track.

Boardwalk - "High Water"

By Jerod Greenisen

Boardwalk is the collaboration between Mike Edge and Amber Quintero. The two made the album in response to an impromptu road trip they had gone on just before. The video below captures the altered state they felt after the trip. Download “High Water” as well.

Lissie - "The Habit"

“I gotta keep my identity and focus on what I can do,” goes the chorus of “Shameless,” the first single from Lissie’s new album, Back to Forever. “I don’t want to be famous, if I got to be shameless” she sings with equal parts strength and insecurity.

Yuppies

Yuppies

Dull-Tools

By: Abbie Gobeli & Jerod Greenisen

"Easy Nights" -

Yuppies have just arrived with the release of this self-titled debut, but their sound comes across as if they have been somewhere for far too long. Yuppies is one of the few albums that seems to be just as unpredictable as it is enjoyable and reckless. “Alright, alright we’re going for a ride... whether you like it or not” sings lead vocalist and guitarist Jack Begely. It has only been two tracks and we’re off with Omaha natives, Yuppies.

Click the Polaroid to see Yuppies in Studio K

Founding members Jack Begley, Kevin Donahue and Noah Sterba came together in 2007 with mutual ambitions to perform live and overcome their teenage boredom. After touring many Midwestern basements, they added bassist Jeff Sedrel to the line-up in 2010. They have recently signed to Parquet Courts’ Dull Tools record company, and this maybe the start of something great for Yuppies. Although they come across sounding already like seasoned veterans, which they are considering their relentless basement touring, Yuppies won’t get too serious.

You’re never kept feeling too safe as Yuppies love to create crashing guitar riffs only to be discarded seconds later for a soapbox rant and lo-fi rumble. Moving quickly Yuppies will jerk you around to appreciate their general abuse of a guitar’s limitations. “Worms” gets this feeling across right away, positioning Begely absentmindedly punching his way through a verse and then leaving him nearly wailing his last bit. “Easy Nights” is chaotic mess that is layered with Begley’s deep, monotonous voice which adds a simple storytelling element to the frantic environment that erupts in each track.

“I Don’t Know” has the listener asking ‘where are we going’ more times than anyone cares to ask. This track resembles the best part of Yuppies; the breakneck speed at which we are taken through hairpin turns and post-punk noise fervors.

Check out Yuppies live in Studio K this past week for video and more tracks from their debut album.

Buffalo Sleeper - "Greenway"

By: Jerod Greenisen

Buffalo Sleeper is a four piece band from Minneapolis, MN. The band started in 2012 and claims influences from post-punk to mid century pop. Buffalo Sleeper was in for an in-studio not too long ago; click the Polaroid and check that out. The song "Greenway" is available for download below.

Heavenly Beat - "Complete"

By: Jerod Greenisen

“PROMINENCE” is the 2nd full length in as many years from John Pena. Using Primitive Radio God’s “Standing Outside A Broken Telephone Booth With Money In My Hand” as a sonic touch point John built a new album from the ground up utilizing chopped/sampled drum breaks and, for the first time, some non laptop based keyed instruments(piano, mellotron) along with H.B. main stays classical guitar and steel drums. - Captured Tracks

Touche Amore - "Harbor"

By: Jerod Greenisen

Another exciting release off of Deathwish this year. This is Touche Amore's third album, but they've taken some time since their second to tinker their sound. Instrumentally, they have found a new respect for restraint and affinity for the heavier side. However, frontman Jeremy Bohlm's aesthetic is not one to call for any genera debates. Download "Harbor" below.

Megan Bonnell - "Hunt and Chase"

By: Jerod Greenisen

Megan Bonnell's debut release is one born out of grappling with dualisms. The song "Hunt and Chase" is a fine example of how Bonnell conveys this liminality. She does so by using her grounded, rustic, voice enveloped by the ethereal and surreal sound-- much in the same way dreams weave together the known world with the fantastic.

Blouse - "Arrested"

By: Jerod Greenisen

Blouse have taken an interesting approach to their new album, Imperium. This track holds more organic substance than anything off of their well received self titled debut from 2011. Choosing to trade in their synthesizers and beat machines for cellos, violins, and other instruments that “don’t plug into a wall” the Portland natives have found a way to sound earthier while still in deep space. Check out “Arrested” available for download below, and the video from their concert featuring the new album.

Lizzo

Lizzobangers

Totally Gross National Product

By: Sam Sacks

"Batches and Cookies" -

Over the years, the Twin Cities area has proved itself to be the hub of the most dynamic progressive hip-hop and rap scene. Its eclectic music culture is what originally attracted Houston native, Lizzo, to relocate here. After receiving much positive attention from her collaboration in Lizzo and The Larva Ink, an electro funk duo, followed by her enlistment in female dominated rap trio, The Chalice, Lizzo quickly climbed the ranks of the alternative rap circuit. Inspired by the beats of Doomtree’s mastermind producer, Lazerbeak, Lizzo began working with him on Lizzobangers.

Lizzobangers demands an attentive listen; the only thing more complex than the instrumentation on this album maybe Lizzo’s stream of pop-culture references throughout. Following her through a wide range in tempo and seriousness amongst the thirteen tracks is thoroughly enjoyable. “W.E.R.K. Pt. II” is fast-paced and powerfully worded, showing off the speedy rapping prowess of Lizzo. Alternatively, the track “Go” is a much slower piece with an eerily beautiful chord progression, showcasing Lizzo’s soulful singing voice. That song could be Lazerbeak’s signature as it was layered ever so carefully, similar to the sound of a few Doomtree related records of past.

The single from Lizzobangers, “Batches & Cookies”, is perfectly catchy, having a minimal drum kit beat and repetitive whistling pattern to back up Lizzo. One of the most amazing parts about this song is the first verse. Not only does Lizzo parade her untouchable flow, but she also begins the verse very low in her register and climbs higher and higher in pitch until her voice squeaks at the last word. Additionally, music video for this track is fantastic; I have found myself watching it on repeat. It features Twin Cities hotspots lovingly as Lizzo and Sophia Eris (The Chalice) butter up locals at Glamdoll Donuts and prance around at a pride rally at the State Capitol.

The track, “Faded” starts powerfully after a hazy thirty-second intro with the familiar horn sounds of Lazerbeak, sounding similar to Doomtree’s, P.O.S. The range of instrumental sounds also appears on, “Be Still”, with a jazzy flute and bongos. With the creative beats from Lazerbeak, Lizzo was able to extract some very creative lyrics from the depths of her mind: “Takin’ a chill pill before I whip my sword out like Uma in Kill Bill” she raps in the track, “Be Still”. Another pop-culture reference from a movie appears in the track, “T-Baby” as Lizzo spits, “In retrospect, remember when the time when I was derelict, more like derelicte I made homeless chiq,” referring to the 2001 comedy, Zoolander. Aside from the clever pop-culture bits in her lyrics, Lizzo does a powerful job of showing the listener the real pieces of her life. On the captivating and emotional track, “Hot Dish”, Lizzo raps, “I lost my pops, man I wish he was alive, I can’t let go of the past, he never heard me rap, so I carry his spirit on my back in Minneap”, proving that she has no fears when it comes to lyrical content.

Encompassing pretty much everything it takes to be a successful musician, this definitely won’t be the last of Lizzo. Her “it factor” will surely take her very far, especially as she flourishes in the vibrant Twin Cities hip hop scene. Lizzo’s first album is an indicator of this, as it draws from the R&B and gospels sounds of her past while also being extremely innovative, making way for the future of her sound. Aside from her addition to the new female hip-hop group project, " href="http://www.grrrlprty.com/">GRRRL PRTY, she has recently been touring with " href="http://harmarsuperstar.com/">Har Mar Superstar. Check her out at her CD Release Show at the Triple Rock Social Club in December.

The Preatures - "Is This How You Feel"

Right off of the The Preatures' new album is this wonderfully catchy track, "Is This How You Feel?". This song invokes the best of 70s era Stevie Nicks and that alternative country steel twang. Check out the music video below, and download the track for free!

The Crookes - "Afterglow"

By: Jerod Greenisen

English rockers The Crookes bring it to you straight. Their latest album is reminiscent of an earlier more honest time during rock 'n' roll. Squalling riffs and easy melodies will get you moving. Check out The Crooks' song "Afterglow" available for download below.

Augustines - "Cruel City"

By Jerod Greenisen

"Cruel City" is the first single from Augustines, formally We Are Augustines, look for their album in January. This track bears the catchy hooks of the Seattle indie-rock scene along with a weighted Brooklyn tone, which makes sense considering the band just recently relocated. Download it for free below.

Gambles

Trust

Self-released

By Abbie Gobeli

"Angel" -

Layers of instrumentation, electronics, and vast amounts of production is a current trend that increasingly coats the voice and lyricism. Sometimes you need musical simplicity to resonate with the troubles that burden your soul. Yearning vocals and an acoustic guitar is all that Matthew Daniel Siskin needed to begin writing songs as Gambles in August 2012 to let unsaid thoughts of the past few years surface. Siskin recently released his debut effort Trust via his Secretly Canadian imprint, GMBLS.

“Was it a dip in the ocean or a dive from your life? (I’d still like to know)” Gambles has secrets he wants to share but you need to be the decoder. His tumblr Gmbls.com features a messy dada collage of cryptic texts reflecting his lyricism style. Each track is shaped to be ambiguous in its language allowing you to fill in the blanks with your own stories.

Siskin’s voice seems weary but persistently strong as it crackles slowly releasing a heavy sadness. “Angel” seems to be the exception to the gloomy folk that saturates the record and seems to be a celebration of a close one. Variances of loss are explored throughout: “So I Cry Out” tries to make sense of lost time and “Safe Side” sends regards to the search for an identity and its consequences

Gambles will be in Minneapolis at the 7th Street Entry with Those Darlins and live in-studio on Radio K at approximately at 5 pm CST on October 25th.

Someone Still Loves You Boris Yeltsin - "Nightwater Girlfriend"

By Jerod Greenisen

Someone Still Loves You Boris Yeltsin are a quirky bunch from Missouri who lay down some incredibly catchy hooks. Spin magazine dubbed them the band “that could succeed The Shins as the band that changed your life”. So give ‘em a shot, and download the track below.

The Chambermaids - "Electric Sky"

By: Jerod Greenisen

Local music! The Chambermaids just played a great LP release show at The Turf Club lastnight, listen to it in full here. Stay tuned to Radio K for more from The Chambermaids who were just in Studio K, we'll have video and tracks from their session with us.

Empra - "Strange Condition"

Check out "Strange Condition" by Empra. These Aussie rockers just got done with an extensive tour, and are now making even bigger plans. Dowload "Strange Conditions" and be sure to watch their amazing music video out that features some Balinese shadow-puppetry.

Hunters - "Seizure"

by: Jerod Greenisen

Hunters have had a few interesting blips recently. Most recently they have included a music video featuring synchronized swimmers for the song "Seizure", available for download. When it comes to a band that will curb stomp you with a smile, one can be only so pleased.

Heaven's Gate - "Drone"

by: Jerod Greenisen

This is a new track from those behind Sweet Bulbs; now with a few more member addtions they are called Heaven's Gate. They bring you their self-described genera of "powergaze". Check out "Drone" available for free download below.

The Darcys - "The River"

By: Jerod Greenisen

Toronto art-rockers, The Darcys, are just killing it on this new single. Check out "The River" available for download below. This is their third album and final installment in the conceptual trilogy. Recently they have released a number of short films to accompany their songs; you can watch one of them below.

Herein Wild

Fat Possum

By: Ryan Glenn

Frankie Rose is back and building on their strong foundation of synth heavy dream-pop, the crew takes us in a whole different direction.

Frankie Rose bursts onto the scene last year with their amazing release, Interstellar, and continues on their cosmic travels with this years Herein Wild. Although the variables have been tweaked a bit, the formula is still basically the same. By building on their strong foundation of synth heavy dream-pop, the Frankie Rose crew takes us in a whole different direction.

While Interstellar was steeped heavily in synth filled dream-pop, Herein Wild adds a bit more of an organic element to the sound of Frankie Rose. Gone are the joyous and upbeat sounds of “Interstellar” and “Daylight Sky”. It may be the harshest change between the two albums, but it certainly doesn’t take away from the strengths of Herein Wild. Frankie Rose is often related to the cosmic plain (perhaps perpetuated by naming an album Interstellar) and while their debut was all about the fun of whipping through space at whiz-bang progress, the sophomore effort reminds us how lonely and desolate it can be while doing so. Most invoking of this tone is the track “Cliffs as High”, a stark and quiet single in comparison to anything else released by the band. It gives an idea of what Frankie Rose could do without the dream-pop formula they used so well. The string arrangement is a nice addition to the familiar sounds. The track also feels like the first song group leader Frankie worked totally on her own. It is mostly Frankie on her own with a minimalistic accompaniment. The song calls upon influences of Bjork, and could be looked at as a further progression of where they are going as a group.

For fans of Interstellar there is still plenty of enjoyment to be had here listening to the new collection of songs. Don’t be worried about the change in pace on the record, it is still a wonderfully crafted album that takes away the sense of exploration and opts to instead take a moment for self-reflection. As with “Cliffs as High” the record often feels like Frankie alone drifting listlessly. Also this time around instead of singing of blazing across the interstellar highway, the travel is a little slower to take some time for reflection. As on “Sorrow” Frankie brings up plenty of things that would be considered full of sorrow. However, instead of facings these things head on with action, Frankie asks “Why? Don’t ask me why.” It is not an uncaring or callous answer, rather a blunt statement of what could be wrong. There is a lot of sorrow everywhere, yet we rarely know why. While Interstellar was the innocence of birth, youth, and exploration, Herein Wild is the realization of adulthood and the all encompassing lifestyle and questions that come along with that. It is certainly a grown up and darker record, but by no means it is worth skipping out of fear of growing up.

The Cloak Ox - "Pigeon Lung"

Local music on Radio K! Check out one of our favorites, The Cloak Ox, they are in the business of creating real moments in this life. If you overlook them, that’s on you. "Pigeon Lung" is available for free download below. Make Radio K happen by donating today!

Love Inks - "Outta Sight"

Love Inks are kickin' it with a new album. Check out the track "Outta Sight" available for free download below. You won't be disappointed with the production quality on this synth-pop trio's new effort. Don't forget, there is a video below; you could watch it. Radio K only happens because you make it happen, become a member today!

Little Daylight "Glitter & Gold"

Brooklyn based trio, Little Daylight, are one of the many better acts of this year. Check out "Glitter and Gold" a glimmering, sparkling, track off of their new album. This track has also been remixed by Charli XCX, Twin iDol, Kulkid, and Pacific Air. Download for free below, and check out that music video.

King Krule

6 Feet Beneath the Moon

XL / True Panther

By: Samantha Sacks

"Border Line" -

I first saw King Krule perform at Pitchfork Music Festival in 2012. He was playing on the Blue Stage as people began trickling into the shaded area. At this point, he was just beginning to receive much recognition for his blues-meets-soul sound and an impressively deep voice. He was barely 17 years old, but Archy Marshall’s performance had lured in many only after a few songs. Many might have been lured in, I know I was, by his exceptional ability to communicate confounding emotional maturity. Earlier that year I remember returning to his November self-titled EP over and over again.

6 Feet Beneath the Moon is Marshall’s first studio LP, and it’s apparent the young musician is no amateur. The album is extremely versatile, as it encompasses aspects of blues, jazz, rap, hip-hop, along with electronic elements, seamlessly throughout. King Krule is also doing more of what lured us to him the first place. King Krule was most noteworthy for his take on blues and soul, but this album definitely suggests that there’s a lot more to his craft. In tracks like, “Neptune Estate,” hip-hop drumbeats become prominent as Archy does a melodic rap. Not unlike some of the more popular hip-hop and rap albums of late an ensemble of horns are featured giving this track that jazz edge that he became so well known for. 6 Feet Below the Moon seems to be an expansion, a reach for something better, and close to something greater.

The album begins with the track, “Easy Easy” which is more reminiscent of his first EP and earlier work. The track is simple yet powerful as it opens with just Marshall’s voice and a repeating bass line. With lyrics like, “Cause if you going through hell, we just keep going,” it only becomes clearer how emotional the song is.

“Has This Hit?” is a more jazz-influenced track with eerie melodies and echo-y guitar effects. Reverbed vocals come in and out making the eerie mood more prominent, yet ethereal. Electronic elements become more prevalent in the track “Foreign 2”. Synths and fast drumbeats make this track a lot more fast paced before it fades out.

The eeriness continues through the album in the form of layered, effected vocals and melodies that, at times, seem slightly conflicting. One could even describe it as darkwave. The songs also seem to alternate in speed; slower, more eerie bits are followed by fast-paced rhythms, horns, and angrier lyrics. The album shares its extreme moments openly and without restraint much like a teenager going through mood swings. However, it is the finesse by which the listener is brought through motif after motif, that makes 6 Feet Beneath the Moon more a coming of age- less of a tantrum. The last track, “Bathed In Grey,” fades in as it concludes the darker mood of the album. The jazzy piano compliments the high-hat of the hip-hop drumbeat. The track slowly fades out as the jazzy piano melody continues into the expanse.

Psapp - "Everything Belongs to the Sun"

by Jerod Greenisen

Psapp are back from a four year hiatus with a beastly new single. Check out "Everything Belongs to the Sun" available for download below. This track was written by the lead singer's daughter and features an innocence found only where the wild things are.

Blue Ruin featuring frontman and Radio K alumn, Zack McCormick- kicking off Radio K's Power Surge. Keep local bands like Blue Ruin coming into Studio K with a small donation! Also, we're always here for you- download "Strung Out" for free below.

Grooms - "I Think We're Alone Now"

Earlier in the summer, in an article on SPIN, it was revealed that Grooms founder Travis Johnson suffers from a sensitive case of OCD called scrupulosity. After years of medication, Johnson has chosen a different route and “I Think We’re Alone Now” seems to be the reward of the struggle. Download it now, for free, below.

Those Darlins - "In The Wilderness"

Check out this new track from Those Darlins! With some new tricks up their sleeve making us wonder what exactly they are up to. "In the Wilderness" features some snotty winces and some brattitude. It's available for free download below.

Cyrstal Stilts - "Star Crawl"

Brooklyn based postpunkers Crystal Stilts just released their album Nature Noir on sacred bones. Fuzzy and somewhat disoriented this track is loaded and features a welcome string addition. Check out “Star Crawl” for download below, and be sure to watch the ‘mvsk video’ below.

Ruby Pins - "Chameleon"

"No day is a good day to die" sings Lillian Marling on "Chameleon". The Track of the Day is from Ruby Pins' self titled album inspired by the loss of the singer's boyfriend to cancer. She has also decribed Ruby Pins as great music for a haunted fun-house. This track if available for download below.

Minnesota locals share the track "Anaerobic".They were just on Off The Record and really shoke up our studio. Check it out!

Johnathan Rice - "Nowhere At the Speed of Light"

Third album from this singer-songwriter. Check out this beautiful track off of Good Graces from SQE records. It would be a sin not to mention the awesome talent that went into collaborating with Rice on Good Graces; The Watson Twins, Jason Doeset, Jenny Lewis, Z Berg, Dawes bassist Wiley Gebler!

Destroyer is a gorgeously crafted track from AishaBurns' new record Life in the Midwater. Destroyer provides a snapshot of the rough stuff, but with a delicate sensitivity and wisdom beyond her years.

Hookworms - "In Our Time"

Get ready for some low, down and heavy jams. Today's track is from Hookworms who recently released their album, Pearl Mystics. Lead singer Matt Johnson explains that "In Our Time" is about the end of his last relationship and the hill he would bike up everyday with the added emotional weight. "In Our Time" is available for free download below.

Forest Fire - "Alone With The Wires"

"Alone With The Wires" from Forest Fire's upcoming album, Screens, has premiered on Stereogum. According to writer Claire Lobenfeld, the track "maintains the same hot and cold vibes of “Waiting In The Night” except here, the synths are what give the song its chill."

Volcano Choir

Repave

Jagjaguwar

By Jared Hemming

The most powerful element of Repave is it’s turbulence, lack of repetitive order, and surprising swells.

With Volcano Choir’s second album, Repave, songwriter and vocalist Justin Vernon accomplishes the rare feat of quality rising above quantity. No short order considering that, from the time the creative force behind Bon Iver splashed across endless blogs with For Emma, Forever Ago in 2008, the barrage of content that’s arrived since includes: a second album (and Grammy award) for Bon Iver, collaborations with Kanye West, Anaïs Mitchell, Gayngs, The Shouting Matches, The Eau Claire Memorial Jazz I Ensemble, a hilarious erotic series, and, of course, Volcano Choir’s debut: Unmap.

For this sophomore effort as Volcano Choir, Vernon once again calls pals (and fellow Wisconsinites) Collections of Colonies of Bees for another round. This time to record a soulful batch of tunes soaked in Vernon’s rich baritone. Though artists in similar alt-folk/indie rock molds may have attempted something more bona fide to the genera; Volcano Choir have clearly avoided some acoustic-guitar swells, strained vocals, and winding legatos that have defined other artists this year. Instead, they opt for varied and expansive sound-scapes and occasional surprises to include both acoustic and jarring electric guitars, swirls and blips of synthesizer and electric piano, an ocean-bottom bass and deep waves of splashing, powerful percussion. The most powerful element of Repave is it’s turbulence, lack of repetitive order, and surprising swells.

Though at times clarity can be difficult to discern from complicated lyricism and the spontaneity of composition, Repave positions Vernon on the horizon of a mature voyage still propelled by urgency and mystery. Take, for example, in “Acetate,” when he sings “you found me on the beach, I was resting there for weeks/I will never cauterize, I will never fortify/I wonder if I’ve recovered now.” Recording double-tracked vocals, Vernon sings these words as though he is in an argument with himself, having just realized a pain and hoping he’s finally awoken from it.

Aside from “Acetate,” highlights from Repave include the album-opener “Tiderays,” the glossy, synth-tinged “Comrades,” and the brooding, reflective “Byegone,” in which Vernon looks back on a lively youth as a professional musician on the road. Told through stunning imagery and a tone that attempts to find definition somewhere within the confusing distortion that reminiscence and nostalgia provide. When he cries “hold keys to a Cuban flight you won’t ever ride/…Set sail!,” Vernon can’t decide if he feels removed from his life, defined in the public eye, or if he chooses to embrace the success he’s had. Either way, the rewards from Vernon’s unrelenting productivity extend into Repave; where the awe of nature and the inner conflict of introspection can complement each other to make something beautiful.

Volcano Choir will be playing in Minneapolis on Friday, October 18th, at the First Avenue Mainroom.

Persian Leaps - "Silent Treatment"

Off the Record had Persian Leaps in Studio K last week and it was pretty awesome. Persian Leaps are a noise pop band with a sound that will get you and your dad going. Check out the track "Silent Treatment" available for free download below.

Meursault - "Crank Resolutions"

Throwback Thursdays! Meursault is a Scottish electric folk band that released the album All the Creatures Will Make Merry back in 2010. The track "Crank Resolutions" is a deeply tortured cut off that record featuring some of the most melodic pitter-pattering rhythms and electronic instrumentation and a gnarled fuzz of guitar. It's available for free download and be sure to check out the live performance from BBC Radio.

Destruction Unit - "The World on Drugs"

Destruction Unit are a band from Arizona. Destruction Unit play loud rock music. Destruction Unit have recorded a long playing record. Destruction Unit think you should buy it. It is morphine boogie for the 21st century noise addict. A spiritual odyssey of sadomasochistic self-loathing with songs about love and freedom.

Ski Lodge - "Just To Be Like You"

The one exception is the lead single "Just To Be Like You," which was recorded with the full band in Upstate New York using producer Kevin McMahon (Walkmen, Real Estate). Prefix Mag called the track "sugary sweet pop," while Pitchfork warned its readers not to "be deceived by the energetic, hopscotching riff" before lauding the single's dark depths. The song and its accompanying video of cult imagery are an exploration of contrast that fits in perfectly with both the album and Ski Lodge as a whole: deeply affecting and unmistakably danceable.

Ariel Pink and Jorge Elbrecht - "Hang on to Life"

Ariel Pink's new inspiration is dogs. Check out the video below for the song "Hold on to Life" which is a collaboration with Jorge Elbrecht of Violens/Lansing Dreiden. This song is also available for free download and is streaming below, but be sure not to play this too loud at the dog-run; Pink has some interesting metaphors on this one.

Step Rockets - "Kisser"

Step Rockets are Off The Record's most recent local spotlight. Stay tuned to Radio K for video from their In-Studio. Step Rockets is an indie rock band exploring psychedelia, modern hooks, and worldly grooves. Check out their track "Kisser" for free download below.

Jon Hopkins - "Breath This Air" (FT Purity Ring)

Jon Hopkins just released an amazing album this summer, and now we have a remix with one of our favorites- Purity Ring. Lofty, yet sharp, whipping, and spontaneous instrumentation joined with Megan James' (Purity Ring) innocent and whimsical charm; "Breathe This Air" is a much appreciated addition to the year. This track is streaming below. Check out more from Purity Ring & Jon Hopkins collaborative relationship below as well.

Jonathan Rado - "Faces"

Jonathan Rado is a songwriter, a staid performer, an evangelical producer – the 23-year-old California native’s solo project, fashioned on brief sabbatical from his main project, Foxygen, is a deliciously self-conscious piece of esoteric apocrypha. Like character games, or symphonies of nonsense imitation-language, his records are cathartic, designed only to liberate the body and break the awkwardness of obsessive, existential silence.

Maya Jane Coles - "Wait For You" (feat. Tricky)

Coles has been producing since the age of 15, and has won several awards the past few years to show for it. She has also gained some real notoriety amongst her peers, other UK DJs like Tricky have all given her mad props. You can listen to Maya Jane Coles' track "Wait For You" (feat. Tricky), off of her debut album, right below.

Porcelain Rift - "Cluster"

Soft Metals have just announced their upcoming LP Lenses. Taking bits of influences from early -'70s synth inovators Chris Carter and Klaus Schulze, Ian Hicks and Patricia Hall have taken the direction of this record to the dancefloor. You can download the first single, "Lenses," below.

- See more at: http://www.radiok.org/blogs/new/archive/2013/8/11/trac"

"In a way, growing up in Italy, then living for 12 years in London, and now two and a half years in New York, made me realize that I have some dear friends I rarely see," explains Remiddi. "I was touring almost non-stop for eight months and I started having these imaginary conversations in my head with people I wanted to communicate with, but for one reason or another it couldn't happen. This is where the album title came from: the idea of a signal that says the line is off." - Mauro Remiddi. He will be stopping by Minneapolis to play a show at the Triple Rock on Sept. 19th.

Washed Out

Paracosm

Sub Pop

Written By: Alex Simpson

While many have moved on to the latest and greatest chill-wave imitators, Greene has underwent much maturation (for the better), and his latest full-length Paracosm is evidence of that.

Fame came almost instantly for electronic producer Ernest Greene (Washed Out). His lo-fi debut Life of Leisure earned him a record deal with Sub Pop and regular play at hipster retail chains across the planet, not to mention "Feel It All Around" was featured in the opening credits of the quirky hit series Portlandia. But in the last four years, while many have moved on to the latest and greatest chill-wave imatators, Green has underwent much maturation (for the better), and his latest full length Paracosmis evidence of that.

One of the biggest surprises on Washed Out's sprawling sophomore full-length is the use of more live instrumentation. Paracosm flaunts over four dozen instruments, more than you'll hear on the last two Washed Out records combined. You may not be able to pick them out individually, but some of the dreamiest tones on the record come from old keyboards such as the Mellotron and Optigan. It's certainly worth mentioning that Greene and producer Ben Allen (Animal Collective, Deerhunter, M.I.A.) managed to make these obscurities work with harps, bird noises, country samples, and many other interesting choices.

Additionaly, Greene continues to blur his words on this record, and it's still working in his favor. In most instances, the listener demands the right to sing along, but Greene's lack of enunciation allows his vocal to float over the top of beats like some obscure synthesizer. It also allows the listener to "feel" his songs rather than dissect their parts or overall meaning. That implied "feeling" might be the only thing that is intrisically chill-wave, or at least for Greene it is- as we see his sound mature.

Paracosm is full of highlights -- "It All Feels Right", "Don't Give Up" and "Great Escape" are all fine examples. However Paracosm seems to be more of a whole work rather than a collection of singles. One should consider giving the whole record many complete spins. The lack of a smash single makes Paracosm a more cohesive, rewarding listening experience. Greene also keeps the listener within his little world, or paracosm. By making use of natural sound- like birds chirping and wind- in "Entrance" and "Falling Back" and the crowd noise in "It All Feels Right" and "Don't Give Up" adds to the album's overall awareness of setting.

In regards to past Washed Out albums: just because you can't feel it all around doesn't mean you can't feel it. Paracosm is far from Life of Leisure or even Within and Without, but it's the difference that makes it interesting and fun to listen to. It's the reflection of a matured musician who is very comfortable in his place, and that always makes for a strong album.

Washed Out will be visiting Minneapolis, September 12th to play a show at the First Avenue Mainroom you can buy tickets here; more tour dates available below. Check out "Great Escape" streaming and available for free download at the top of this review.

Dessa - "Call Off Your Ghost"

Soft Metals have just announced their upcoming LP Lenses. Taking bits of influences from early -'70s synth inovators Chris Carter and Klaus Schulze, Ian Hicks and Patricia Hall have taken the direction of this record to the dancefloor. You can download the first single, "Lenses," below.

- See more at: http://www.radiok.org/blogs/new/archive/2013/8/11/trac"

"Call Off Your Ghost" is a brand new track from Dessa's solo release. Studio K hosted Dessa last Friday when she came in to show OTR this new album, Parts of Speech. Click the polaroid below to checkout live performances, tracks for download, and more from Studio K. Also a cut off Parts of Speech is available for streaming and download.

Dodos - "Confidence"

Soft Metals have just announced their upcoming LP Lenses. Taking bits of influences from early -'70s synth inovators Chris Carter and Klaus Schulze, Ian Hicks and Patricia Hall have taken the direction of this record to the dancefloor. You can download the first single, "Lenses," below.

- See more at: http://www.radiok.org/blogs/new/archive/2013/8/11/trac"

When it came time for The Dodos to begin writing their fifth LP, Carrier, singer/guitarist Meric Long wanted to start over. The uncertainty of the band's trajectory as well as the passing of guitarist Chris Reimer brought about a reassessment of things within the band, and in particular Long's songwriting. In need of a different vantage point, Long began writing words before music for the first time, enveloping himself in silence rather than sound. When it came time to set these lyrics to music, Long started writing with only his electric guitar in hand -- another first. "Confidence" is available for stream and download below.

Iska Dhaaf - "All the Kids"

Soft Metals have just announced their upcoming LP Lenses. Taking bits of influences from early -'70s synth inovators Chris Carter and Klaus Schulze, Ian Hicks and Patricia Hall have taken the direction of this record to the dancefloor. You can download the first single, "Lenses," below.

- See more at: http://www.radiok.org/blogs/new/archive/2013/8/11/trac"

The band's name translates from Somali to English roughly as, 'let it go'. Post-punk/dream-punk duo has a new single out that is generating some buzz already, despite only being released one month ago. "All the Kids" is a track that is reminiscent of those days of youth and the lingering toils of accepting one's age. Download it for free below.

Juilia Holter - "In The Green Wild"

Soft Metals have just announced their upcoming LP Lenses. Taking bits of influences from early -'70s synth inovators Chris Carter and Klaus Schulze, Ian Hicks and Patricia Hall have taken the direction of this record to the dancefloor. You can download the first single, "Lenses," below.

- See more at: http://www.radiok.org/blogs/new/archive/2013/8/11/trac"

"In The Green Wild" is a superb cut off of Julia Holter's debut, Loud City Song. Interestingly, this album has an overarching narrative that juxtaposes 'civilized' society with the untamed green and natural world. See for yourself in the video below. "In The Green Wild" is also available for streaming and download below.

Her Royal Harness - "Colour Me"

Soft Metals have just announced their upcoming LP Lenses. Taking bits of influences from early -'70s synth inovators Chris Carter and Klaus Schulze, Ian Hicks and Patricia Hall have taken the direction of this record to the dancefloor. You can download the first single, "Lenses," below.

- See more at: http://www.radiok.org/blogs/new/archive/2013/8/11/trac"

Sometimes productivity does happen as a result of wasting time on chat rooms. The back-story to Her Royal Harness was just that, an arguement over music on chat. Check out this track "Colour Me" available for stream and download below.

Weekend

Jinx

Slumberland

Written by: Jerod Greenisen

Weekend’s sophomore LP is a dream come true. That is to say that one dreams of a well crafted pastiche of the past three decades of rock music. For anyone else, Jinx is a fantastic record that synergizes post-punk harmonies and near classic 90’s noise-rock with contemporary chillwave-esq vocals and shoegaze filters. Although Jinxan atmosphere that is seasonally familiar it still feels rather cold, distant, and submerged.

“It’s Alright” features, to the best that the album can provide, the alleviating airy guitar harmonies that are ever so pleasantly reminiscent of 80’s romantics. While “Mirror” starts the album off by gesturing, very deliberately, at the aura of chillwave. “Mirror” can be very exemplary of the whole record when, after a short while, the rhythms are dialed to industrial clashes and Shaun Durkan’s echo-y strained vocals slink in and balance this cut’s natural seeming static and feedback heavy layers. Most characteristic of the album’s composition would be the heavy drum clashes and expansive vocals on “July” and “Oubliette”.

Jinx not only invites the listener on a journey about growing up, homage, and ambition; but it also inspires that person to let go and fantasize about potential. Weekend captures the latter in fine form. Jinx pleads with the uncertainty and unfamiliarity of dreams by contextualizing premonitions with familiar masks.

Weekend will be coming to Minneapolis in early September, and swinging by Studio K for a live In-Studio on September 7th around 4pm CST. Stay tuned to Radio K for more coverage, tracks, and video from Weekend.

Hunting Club - "Double Vision"

Soft Metals have just announced their upcoming LP Lenses. Taking bits of influences from early -'70s synth inovators Chris Carter and Klaus Schulze, Ian Hicks and Patricia Hall have taken the direction of this record to the dancefloor. You can download the first single, "Lenses," below.

- See more at: http://www.radiok.org/blogs/new/archive/2013/8/11/trac"

Off The Record has a catch and release policy when it comes to local bands. The good thing is the OTR girls release them to you! Check out "Double Vison", a track fresh off of Mosaic by Hunting Club. Also check out some more tracks for free download by checking out their in-studio.

Eilidh Hadden - "Close to Home"

Soft Metals have just announced their upcoming LP Lenses. Taking bits of influences from early -'70s synth inovators Chris Carter and Klaus Schulze, Ian Hicks and Patricia Hall have taken the direction of this record to the dancefloor. You can download the first single, "Lenses," below.

- See more at: http://www.radiok.org/blogs/new/archive/2013/8/11/trac"

Scottish pop songstress Eilidh Hadden recently released this track that delivers powerful punching beats steeped with flowing vocals. This song is incredibly addictive and you'll have a terrible time attempting to get Hadden's "ah-oh" out of your head. "Close to Home" is streaming and available for download below, check it out!

Blood Relatives - "Dead Hip"

Soft Metals have just announced their upcoming LP Lenses. Taking bits of influences from early -'70s synth inovators Chris Carter and Klaus Schulze, Ian Hicks and Patricia Hall have taken the direction of this record to the dancefloor. You can download the first single, "Lenses," below.

- See more at: http://www.radiok.org/blogs/new/archive/2013/8/11/trac"

Radio K has another wonderful band from Scotland under the scope. Blood Relatives are Anna, Callum, Alan and Nick. Check out the first song from their upcoming debut; "Dead Hip". They also have a cute little music video to share.

David Ertel and Ben Borden are the production duo, Solar Year. They made some big splashes last summer with their debut album Waverly. Quite literally really, they premiered the album underwater in a swimming pool, furthermore - for anyone who misses Sea-punk- they featured Grimes on the track "Brotherhood". Solar Year has remastered Waverly, which is now available on Ceremony Records.

DIANA

Perpetual Surrender

Jagjaguwar

Written by: Abbie Gobeli

Canada has unleashed a mad fury of great electronic records recently from natives Austra, Doldrums, and Crystal Castles. Toronto quartet Diana with their prior experience amongst the Canadian music scene will no doubt join the ranks of these fine artists with their stellar debut album, Perpetual Surrender released via Jagjaguwar on August 20th.

Blissful hooks coat the permeable dance-pop walls set up from the beginning track, “Foreign Installation.” Carmen Elle’s silken vocals round out the body of Perpetual Surrender enunciating each track including “New House” with emotional impact of anticipation and chances which fades in a cascade of vocals and white noise.

Jazzy ruptures of saxaphone infiltrate the succulent soundscape crafted by members Kieran Adams, Joesph Shabason, and Paul Mathew who all participated in jazz studies at the University of Toronto. Adding brass instrumentation is becoming a trend in music as of late but Diana knows how to properly blends jazz and dream pop synth to enhance their musical structure. “Born Again” is sufficient evidence for this mixture.

Diana is currently touring with Austra and will be stopping through on September 1st at the Triple Rock Social Club.

Kitten Forever - "Double Disco"

Soft Metals have just announced their upcoming LP Lenses. Taking bits of influences from early -'70s synth inovators Chris Carter and Klaus Schulze, Ian Hicks and Patricia Hall have taken the direction of this record to the dancefloor. You can download the first single, "Lenses," below.

- See more at: http://www.radiok.org/blogs/new/archive/2013/8/11/trac"

Local favorites, Kitten Forever, are rocking that 90's Riot Grrrl fierceness of "Double Disco". Check out the video of the OTR In-Studio! You can also download this track for free and steam right now!

Yuck - "Rebirth"

Soft Metals have just announced their upcoming LP Lenses. Taking bits of influences from early -'70s synth inovators Chris Carter and Klaus Schulze, Ian Hicks and Patricia Hall have taken the direction of this record to the dancefloor. You can download the first single, "Lenses," below.

- See more at: http://www.radiok.org/blogs/new/archive/2013/8/11/trac"

From Fat Possum Records: "YUCK! Eeew, I was like, "that is soo gross". Anybutt. I was like whatever. Butt then I saw the tour and it made me feel kinda tingly. It's like totally awesome!!! Like those girls are so cool and like that guy looks weird but then yer like omg he is like so hot. So the show was incredible but then I thought about my Dad cuz he liked killed somebody or himself. Dad always said he loved my step mom but he was never nice to her. Where am I? Since I was a teenager I always used to take out out the dogs and he always encouraged that and once we found a bunny and the next day I had a carrot and we saved it. Our german shepherd was so smart. I live by myself. My landlord said I don't have to pay rent this month but I was trying to write some good news to my therapist and I actually paid my landlord in full. But it's all thanks to the new YUCK album!"

Deer Tick - "The Dream's In the Ditch"

Soft Metals have just announced their upcoming LP Lenses. Taking bits of influences from early -'70s synth inovators Chris Carter and Klaus Schulze, Ian Hicks and Patricia Hall have taken the direction of this record to the dancefloor. You can download the first single, "Lenses," below.

- See more at: http://www.radiok.org/blogs/new/archive/2013/8/11/trac"

After an exhausting tour all across North America Ian O'Neil, realized that "The Dream's In the Ditch" was the perfect song for the moment. Having shelved it for another project he decided that the sunshine and cheeriness of the music captured the optimism that is more than necessisary while on tour. This track is available for streaming and download below. Check out Deer Tick at the Fine Line Oct. 15th, and fall in love with John McCauley in "The Rock" video, below.

Pop. 1280 - "Human Probe"

New track off of Pop. 1280's second album. It's sweaty, it's grimey, it's dirty, and it's a hit. Streaming and for download below. Also, for an additional taste of that NYC grit check out the video below, charmingly recorded in one of the many forsaken basements with the members of Pop. 1280.

Grant Hart - "Letting Me Out"

Soft Metals have just announced their upcoming LP Lenses. Taking bits of influences from early -'70s synth inovators Chris Carter and Klaus Schulze, Ian Hicks and Patricia Hall have taken the direction of this record to the dancefloor. You can download the first single, "Lenses," below.

- See more at: http://www.radiok.org/blogs/new/archive/2013/8/11/trac"

Sprawled across 20 songs, The Argument is a concept album with former Hüsker Dü member Grant Hart theorizing John Milton’s Paradise Lost.

Ebony Bones

Behold A Pale Horse

1987

Written by: Griffin Fillipitch

Many themes run throughout Behold, a Pale Horse, but accessibility might be the most unifying one. Thomas is innovative and even fearless at times, but she does not fear pop. If anything, pop should fear her- as she exploits it with predatory precision.

Behold, a Pale Horse is the second studio album from Ebony Bones, the stage name of British singer-songwriter-producer Ebony Thomas. It takes its name from a quote in the Book of Revelation. That's the book where things go bananas, and not in a fun Gwen Stefani/Laffy Taffy sort of way.

Given this source material, the ominous charge of the introductory title track is not a huge surprise. Strings from the Mumbai Symphony Orchestra warble in a minor key while drums thunder underneath. There is a surprisingly beautiful transition when this track blends seamlessly into the next one, “I See I Say,” which samples the string progression from the previous song and throws down a mean distorted vocal vamp. It's hear where one starts to see where Ebony Bones’ influences may lie; with the likes of M.I.A’s Kala or later Santigold.

But that doesn't last too long. M.I.A. comparisons may come in handy, since Thomas does have British citizenship and a knack for biting hooks (she also uses a ton of acronyms), but relying on these relationships are not totally apt. She is more interested in the juncture of art-pop and punk than house and hip-hop.

Still, each of those genres gets at least a moment on Behold, a Pale Horse. It's dark and heavy feeling all the way through, but varied in its darkness and weight. “Bread & Circus” blends the intro's strings (one of several motifs on the album) with an airy, lively funk guitar line. The next song, “Morphine For the Masses,” takes the same strings and turns them into an unapologetic trap beat.

Ms. Bones is not afraid of experimentation, but she's not afraid of anthems either. Covering The Smiths with “What Difference Does It Make” reaches arena-rock heights with the New London Children's Choir, which is immediately followed by an industrial drum ‘n’ bass beat with Sleigh Bells like guitar on “Neu World Blues.” Additionally, the piano outro on “I.N.V.I.N.C.I.B.L.E” is so catchy and self-serious, it's a surprise that Rihanna didn't snatch it for her own. “While the People S.L.E.E.P” is a dance/punk amalgamation that could and should be a huge crossover hit (and maybe one of the best songs of the year).

Huge Rat Attacks - "Wheel"

Soft Metals have just announced their upcoming LP Lenses. Taking bits of influences from early -'70s synth inovators Chris Carter and Klaus Schulze, Ian Hicks and Patricia Hall have taken the direction of this record to the dancefloor. You can download the first single, "Lenses," below.

- See more at: http://www.radiok.org/blogs/new/archive/2013/8/11/trac"

Huge Rat Attacks album "Organic Babies" has just dropped. The entire album is now streaming on their bandcamp and can be purchased there, on iTunes, Amazon.com, eMusic, you'll also receive a physical print of the artwork. Check out Off the Record for more local music. Huge Rat Attacks just did an In-Studio, stay tuned for video.

Tree Blood - "90s Rocker Girl"

Local band Tree Blood, also known as what makes trees grow and die in Minneapolis, have released a new single. Tree Blood new song "90s Rocker Girl" is available for free download below, and you can also check out the band when they were in Studio K.

Joseph Childress - "Dance With Me"

Soft Metals have just announced their upcoming LP Lenses. Taking bits of influences from early -'70s synth inovators Chris Carter and Klaus Schulze, Ian Hicks and Patricia Hall have taken the direction of this record to the dancefloor. You can download the first single, "Lenses," below.

- See more at: http://www.radiok.org/blogs/new/archive/2013/8/11/trac"

Dead-beat wanderer turned lo-fi folk artist Joseph Childress follows in some pretty deep footsteps. Listing the likes of Jackson C. Frank and Jason Molina as predecessors, Childress is setting himself up as the next in line to assume the mantle of bluesy, desperate folk.

If you would like to learn more about Gambles, please check out their website. No really, we really want you to look at this.

Washed Out - "Don't Give Up"

Soft Metals have just announced their upcoming LP Lenses. Taking bits of influences from early -'70s synth inovators Chris Carter and Klaus Schulze, Ian Hicks and Patricia Hall have taken the direction of this record to the dancefloor. You can download the first single, "Lenses," below.

- See more at: http://www.radiok.org/blogs/new/archive/2013/8/11/trac"

The music recorded by Ernest Greene as Washed Out has been nothing if not dreamy, and on his second full-length, Paracosm, he takes the dreamlike, otherworldly atmospheres of his music a huge leap further. Paracosm refers to the phenomena when people create detailed imaginary worlds, and it could be that Greene wants you to be a part of his on this album. Check out "Don't Give Up" below.

Hunx & His Punx

Street Punk

Hardly Art

Written by: Griffin Fillipitch

"Everyone loves me at the beauty shop," Hunx sings on Street Punk the third and latest effort from him and His Punx. He's probably right. Last year he went solo on "Hairdresser Blues," an album full of unhurried grooves and sugar sweet choruses that leaned more toward '60s girl-group pop than garage rock (he is always balancing somewhere between the two).

The guitars were still scratchy, but the heart beating behind them was incredibly sentimental. It was playful and sad, an effortlessly versatile album. It could easily find a home at any salon, however fancy the shampoo, however soft the towels.

So it was nice to hear him touch on the beauty shop for a moment on "Born Blonde," but don't let it fool you. Whatever blues he had, he has since left behind. He has regained the brazen demeanor of his earlier days and has thrown in a level of anger that he's never quite reached before. He is loud and pissed, but happy about it in a way that is not possible when you're all alone. His Punx are back and they make their presence felt.

Ten of the twelve tracks come and go in less than two minutes. The Punx are in and out in less than twenty. But that's more than enough time for Street Punk to leave a mark. It is speedy, unrestrained, ramshackle rock of the highest order. Hunx wails over furious guitars that sound like they want to, but cannot, drown him out. His best screams come when he's blasting out half-finished credos like, "Everyone's a pussy / Fuck you dude" and "Fabulous, fabulous, fabulous / Oh my God!"

On tracks like "You Think You're Tough" and "Mud in Your Eyes," Shannon Shaw (of Shannon and the Clams) provides the most melodic performances on the album. She has a lower and steadier voice than Hunx, and they play nicely off of each other. Still these tracks thrash pretty mercilessly.

That never really changes. The only break from thrashing is the near-four minute closer, "It's Not Easy," but even that is a messy dirge with caustic squeals from Hunx and two simultaneous guitar solos at the end. Street Punk is a pretty relentless album in terms of volume and edge. Still, it's hard to think of it as ‘punk,’ simply because it's too much fun. Just as it was on "Hairdresser Blues" when Hunx couldn't achieve pure sadness, here he can't achieve pure anger. There's something about him that is just inescapably fun. So that's what you've got here: an album that is super fun and mad at you for thinking so.

Soft Metals - "Lenses"

Soft Metals have just announced their upcoming LP Lenses. Taking bits of influences from early -'70s synth inovators Chris Carter and Klaus Schulze, Ian Hicks and Patricia Hall have taken the direction of this record to the dancefloor. You can download the first single, "Lenses," below.

- See more at: http://www.radiok.org/blogs/new/archive/2013/8/11/trac"

Soft Metals have just announced their upcoming LP Lenses. Taking bits of influences from early -'70s synth innovators Chris Carter and Klaus Schulze, Ian Hicks and Patricia Hall have taken the direction of this record to the dancefloor. You can download the first single, "Lenses," below.

Strange - "Kathy Bates"

Grumbling Fur - "Protogenesis"

Daniel O'Sullivan and Alexander Tucker are long time friends and collaborators. Both artists are veterans of the UK experimental underground: O’Sullivan as a member of Guapo, Ulver, and Aethenor (with Stephen O’Malley), and Tucker with imbogodom and as an eclectic (read: Yeti) solo artist. On their newest album as Grumbling Fur, Glynnaestra, they have crafted an avant-pop album assembled as one would a collage. This structural foundation is built up via an eclectic array of instruments, both acoustic and modified, to pulsating electronic sounds.

Ebony Bones - "Mystery Babylon Balloon"

Singer, songwriter, producer and boundary-breaking artist Ebony Bones—whose stage name was coined by punk rock icon Rat Scabies, drummer of The Damned— developed a love for music at an early age. Spending time in her father’s music stall in Brixton Market, her musical education began with artists like Brian Eno and Quincy Jones, and her influences grew to include everyone from Siouxie Soux and The Slits to Fela Kuti and Public Enemy. Armed with her own mature and captivating sound and a strong DIY ethic, Ebony will release her sophomore album, Behold, A Pale Horse, on August 5th.

David Lynch - "Star Dream Girl"

Legendary multimedia artist David Lynch returns this summer with the follow-up to Crazy Clown Time, his acclaimed 2011 solo debut. The new album sees Lynch returning to primary songwriting and performance duties, writing 11 out of the album’s 12 tracks. Also included in the lineup is Lynch’s signature take on the Bob Dylan folk classic “The Ballad of Hollis Brown,” and a bonus track contribution featuring acclaimed Swedish musician Lykke Li. The Big Dream was recorded over several months at Lynch’s own Asymmetrical Studio with engineer Dean Hurley, who also contributes production and instrumentation to the album.

Deafheaven

Sunbather

Deathwish

Written by: Nathan Gerdes

We’ve heard it all before “the perfect summer album,” “sounds like a great day at the beach!” The Black Metal genre has not typically produced anything of the like– until now. Summer music is often described as “light,” “breezy,” and “fun,” however more akin to a summer that humans can relate to; Deafheaven’s new album Sunbather is heavy, sprawling, and emotional. While Black Metal may focus on cold, ugliness, and evil, Sunbather invokes feelings of warmth, beauty, and joy. With Sunbather, Deafheaven shows the world that even Black Metal has room for dynamics as opposite as fire and ice.

"Sunbather" -

Sunbather takes influence from a variety of genres, from the abrasive playing style of Black Metal, to the hidden hooks of Shoegaze, and the dynamics and pure visceral ecstacy of Post-Rock. The common thread between all its various influences is the importance of atmosphere. Tremolo-picked Black Metal guitar leads run through Shoegaze effects, and quiet, slower sections break the monotony of blastbeats. For listeners unable to see the appeal of screamed vocals in metal music, this album may find success at increasing tolerance. While not an instrumental album by any means, Sunbather takes a shared cue from both Black Metal and Shoegaze and uses vocals not as a focal point, but as another layer of musical texture. Seamlessly transitioning through four epic compositions (each stands at over 9 minutes long) separated by three less-structured interludes, this album does not ask you to pick and choose your favorite songs or riffs, but instead invites you to let its warm, cathartic atmosphere wash over you as you listen.

Despite the relatively fluid nature of its structure, Sunbather has plenty of musical moments that stick out. The lead track “Dreamhouse” opens with guitar melodies that qualify as true earworms, and the outro to the last track, “The Pecan Tree” stands as one of the heaviest parts of the record, despite eschewing the blast beats and fast tempos that hallmark the album’s most metal moments. Similarly, the most affecting moments of the album are when songwriters George Clarke and Kerry McCoy combine their diverse influences in unexpected ways – See the screaming in the background of the melodic, drumless break partway through “Vertigo,” or the double-kick drumming that inserts itself into a down-tempo, Shoegaze-y section of “The Pecan Tree.” Sunbather is at its best when it tosses the unexpected at a spaced-out listener.

Vocalist George Clarke says Sunbather’s album cover is meant to evoke the sensation of staring into the sun with your eyes closed, and that the name “Sunbather” was chosen for its sense of idealism and humanity. This feeling is not only accurate, but also extends far beyond the cover. Warm and inviting, relaxed and unhurried, contemplative yet joyous, with Sunbather, Deafheaven’s latest release is rewriting the rules for both Black Metal and “the perfect summer album.”

The Dough Rollers - "The Sailing Song"

Third Man Records, with Jack White at the helm, powers forward with its mission entiled The Blue Series. Here we have The Dough Rollers with a new and much more powerful sound. Malcolm Ford (vox, guitar) and Jack Byrne (guitar) are now joined by Josh Barocas and Kyle Olson on bass and drums, respectively. The track "The Sailing Song" is a wobbly drunken power trip that never looses sight of the shore.Stream available below.

Rabbit Holes - "I Ain't Coming Back Tonight"

Rabbit Holes were just in Studio K for Off The Record- stay glued to radiok.org for video from that! Right now Rabbit Holes is the Track of the Day for Friday with a track for free download below. Check out their Bandcampfor more, and tune in to OTR today at 3pm for more local music!

Until The Ribbon Breaks - "Pressure"

"Pressure" is the single from UK artist Until The Ribbon Breaks. It has us so excited for the full length, which has no release date just yet. Pete Lawrie Winfield is the mind behind UTRB, who has previously collaborated with Killer Mike and El-P for the track "Job Well Done" on the album Run The Jewels. Check out NPRfor an interview about his grind while recording "Pressure". Also, Winfield was a former film student and has produced a wonderful video below.

TRAAMS - "Low"

Monday featured a track from Sam Mehran of Outer Limits Recordings, and today we're bringing you a track from the other half of the story. TRAAMS is fronted by MJ (Hookworms) and former Test Icicles (c/o Lightspeed Champion, Mehran, and Attwell) member Rory Atwell. "Low" is of their new EP which is available now on cassette and for digital download. Attwell nails this cassette ready sound with dramatic guitar breaks and grundgey wails. "Low" is available for free download, also check out them out onFat Cat Records.

Emika - "She Beats"

DVA is Emika's sophomore album which was described by Ninja Tune Records as a return to her roots. For those who were spinning her self-titled debut in 2011 a different sound might be aparent, but not entirely. As a student of classical music, Emika's first album was far from her upbringing. However DVA combines the best of the first album with some fantastic classical instrumentation. Check out "She beats" and "Searching" below.

Radio K favorites like FIDLAR, Thee Oh Sees and Ty Segall have helped to establish (but not entrench) this code in the past year. Each abandons it when necessary, but certain similarities between them and other garage punk acts cannot be denied. Listening to John Barrett, under the name Bass Drum of Death, map the landscape of his particular garage on his new self-titled LP is instantly gratifying when he adheres and continuously gratifying when he abandons.

It's a funny thing when a band self-titles an album that is not their first. GB City came out two years ago and the music that Barrett has churned up since the debut is apparently more deserving of his band's namesake. It's probably unwise to ascribe symbolic weight to the title of an album that sounds as reckless and off the cuff as Bass Drum of Death, but here we are.

Recklessness is important to garage punk and the album is reckless in the ways we've come to expect from the genre's best. Tracks like “Crawling After You” and “I Wanna Be Forgotten” are blistering and overly noisy. Barrett's unrestrained wails reach impressive heights on “Fines Lines.” One of the songs is called “Bad Reputation,” either an homage to Joan Jett or a disregard for the song of same name (maybe a little of both).

Bass Drum of Death

Bass Drum of Death

Innovative Leisure

Written by: Griffin Fillipitch

There is a pretty stringent, sometimes contradictory code of conduct for anyone making a garage punk album. It needs to have guitar lines that are flimsy and determined at the same time. It needs a sneer from a lead singer that sounds pissed and indifferent at the same time. It needs sonics that are fuzzy and piercing at the same time. It needs to be fast. The rhymes should be easy.

There is a different kind of recklessness here too, though. It comes from the variety of speeds that Barrett can operate at, and the ease with which he slips in and out of them. His brand of garage rock is most notable for being willing to go a little slower. Almost half of the songs on the album last around four minutes, an unheard of figure for bands with similar sounds. “Such a Bore” is loose enough to accelerate to a sprint after two minutes of jaunt, and then slow back down again.

Most of the songs are unhurried in this way, but they never give way to sonic sludge, and they never get boring. A feeling abounds in the album that anything can happen. Anything doesn't happen. Bluesy riffs drift in and out, tempos change, but everything hits super hard. It's a straightforward record that keeps its options open.

Some Pulp - "Devolver"

Some Pulp have just released their self-titled debut exclusivly on cassette tape. However, you can get a track for free right here. the garage-rockers had this to say to Citypages "Devolver, It's a workout. As much as we like the single, "Devolver" breaks away from the rest of the cassette with a Romantics/new wavy sorta thing. Check out their album on Bandcamp.

You Me & Us - "Sink or Swim"

"Sink or Swim" is fresh of the self-released record from You Me & Us. You'll love this cute and fuzzy shoegaze band out of Palm Springs, California. Just over ten minutes long, their new album Stay Inside is easily one of the best little slices of music this summer. Stream the whole album on Bandcamp.

Montag - "New Found Land"

Newest edition to Montag's PHASES project. This is the 5th of 12 singles, slotted to premiere one per month. Violin, bouncy sinths, 80s organs, and escapist themes are all making magic on this track. Be sure to check it out below. Montag's music video is also below. There is also a wonderful audio documentary about the recording process on Soundcloud.

Big Deal - "In Your Car"

"In Your Car" is the first we've heard from Big Deal since their 2011 debut Lights Out. Their new album, June Gloom, has seen the addition of a rythm section to boost their sound. This grunge-pop is available for free download below. Read more at Mute Records.

Deafheaven - "Dream House"

"Dream House" is what college radio should sound like; the occasional nine minute black metal jam. Deafheaven is getting some rave reviews for their most recent album Sunbather, and Radio K has a track for free download.

June 26th, 2013

Friends in America - "Quietly Quietly"

Friends in America are based in Glasgow but the band is from all over the place, which is perhaps the best way to describe the music itself. There are self-releasing their album What it is to Be on June 26th : http://www.soundcloud.com/friendsinamerica

BretonOther People's Problems

[FatCat]

If someone told you that English electro-pop gloom rockers Breton (named after the French father of Surrealism André Breton, not to be confused with the delicious crackers) were just now getting around to releasing their full length debut LP, you might be surprised. Since releasing their first EP in 2010, the London-based group has been steady at work. Now a full 5-piece band, Breton put all those pieces in motion and more on Other People’s Problems, out on Fat Cat Records. With assistance in the form of outsourced-then-chopped-and-rearranged piano and strings by German composer and fellow label mate Hauschka, Breton has served up 11 tracks full of sonic depth, intermittent intentional noise, and awkward dancing potential.

The record launches listeners into the interesting style of the band on the song “Pacemaker,” wherein beneath a deliberate pause lasting almost 15 seconds fades in the Frankenstein’d strings and low-key dance beat that populate much of the record. Breton frontman Roman Rappak’s layered vocals and distorted lyrics make the strings sound creepier than they might otherwise, with tracks like “Oxides” and “Edward the Confessor” carrying on this audio imitation of the cloudy skies in London, the video for the latter doing so quite literally.

The stand-out songs on the record have to be “Governing Correctly” and “Ghost Note,” both of which make use of multiple layers to bring out a blend of British alt dance rock like Bloc Party and the smooth style of a Mystery Jets mellow number. The low bass line on “Governing Correctly” works well with the toe-tapping digital drumbeat, and the bouncy vocals nearly disguise the melodrama in the lyrics. “Ghost Note” brings a more synth-style, combined with muffled vocals, a Daft Punk-esque sustain breakdown and the ever-so-slight hint of a triangle in the background.

For people who have always wanted a bit more Crystal Method in their Editors, the experience that is Breton’s debut record will not disappoint. There is something for everyone on Other People’s Problems, and with each new listen you may pick up nuances that were missed the first time around. It’s the LP that keeps on giving, and that sounds like a pretty good problem to have.

Black Keys and Arctic Monkeys @ The Target CenterMay 15th, 2012

It was a night of showmanship last night at the Target Center. The Arcitc Monkeys opened for headliner, The Black Keys, and wouldn’t let a soul sit down – not that they wanted to. In fact, just as my mom tried to take a seat, frontman Alex Turner introduced “Don’t Sit Down ‘Cause I’ve Moved Your Chair”. That seemed to be the theme throughout the night, as Turner and the Monkeys’ incredible stage presence – complete with spins, dives, and knee-slides – preceded a remarkable show from The Black Keys. It’s easy to forget that the Keys have such a vast repertoire, but we were swiftly reminded as they gracefully swan-dove in and out of their first five releases, occasionally surfacing to play some hits from their most recent albums, Brothers and El Camino. As they closed their set with “Lonely Boy”, I was speechlessly glad to be able to see and participate in a 15,000-person semi-choreographed dance taken straight from the music video for the song. After a teasingly long absence, singer and guitarist Dan Auerbach, and drummer Pat Carney returned to the stage to finish with three tracks, ending in a guitar-shredding, extended rendition of “I Got Mine” off of their 2008 album, Attack & Release. I believe I speak for the entire arena when I say I left with a strong feeling of satisfaction at their performance. Bravo, boys.